π¨ Johnson County Hazing Lawyer: Holding Fraternities & Universities Accountable
Attorney 911: Aggressive Hazing Litigation for Johnson County Families
π‘οΈ You’re Not Alone β We’re Fighting This Fight Right Now
Johnson County families: If your child was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, or student organization near Johnson County, you have legal rights. And you have powerful allies.
We are Attorney 911. Right now, our attorneys Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena are litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston. A young man was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until he collapsed, and hospitalized with kidney failure β all as part of “pledge activities.”
This isn’t happening in some distant state. This is happening in Texas. This could be happening at universities near Johnson County.
The same fraternities operate near Johnson County. The same negligence exists at Johnson County institutions. And we will fight for Johnson County families with the same aggression we’re bringing to this case.
π’ Who We Are: Johnson County’s Hazing Litigation Experts
Attorney 911 β Legal Emergency Lawyersβ’ Serving Johnson County
Headquartered in Houston, Texas β Proudly Serving Johnson County Families
Attorney 911 is a Texas-based personal injury and hazing litigation firm with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Johnson County families, through our federal court authority and commitment to traveling wherever justice demands.
Johnson County families deserve the same aggressive representation we provide locally.
Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Johnson County Hazing Case
| Advantage | How It Helps Johnson County Families |
|---|---|
| 25+ Years Courtroom Experience | Battle-tested trial attorneys with proven results β available for Johnson County cases |
| Former Insurance Defense Attorneys | We know how insurance companies and institutions think β and how to fight them for Johnson County victims |
| Federal Court Admission | Can pursue Johnson County hazing cases in federal jurisdiction when appropriate |
| Dual-State Bar Admission | Texas AND New York licensed β strategic advantage against national fraternities |
| Nationwide Hazing Expertise | Currently litigating $10M UH hazing case β same strategies available for Johnson County victims |
| Se Habla EspaΓ±ol | Bilingual staff serving Spanish-speaking Johnson County families |
| Contingency Fee Representation | $0 upfront for Johnson County families β we don’t get paid unless we win your case |
| Willingness to Travel | We come to Johnson County for depositions, trials, and client meetings |
The Attorney 911 Approach: How We Serve Johnson County Hazing Victims
When a legal emergency hits β whether it’s on a Johnson County campus or a fraternity house anywhere in America β we move FIRST, FAST, and DECISIVELY.
For Johnson County hazing victims, our team:
β Builds cases with expert witnesses β medical experts, Greek life culture experts, institutional negligence experts
β Preserves evidence immediately β texts, photos, medical records, witness statements β before it disappears
β Negotiates from strength β we’re currently litigating a $10 MILLION hazing case; defendants know we mean business
β Travels to Johnson County β for depositions, client meetings, and trials when needed
β Provides remote consultations β Johnson County families can video chat with our attorneys
β Pursues every liable party β universities, national organizations, local chapters, individual members β no one escapes accountability
If a university, fraternity, or insurance company tries to silence Johnson County hazing victims, we take it to court.
π¨ The Hazing Crisis: It’s Happening Near Johnson County
Hazing Near Johnson County: The Same Risk Your Child Faces
Johnson County families: Hazing isn’t just happening at big universities far away. It’s happening at institutions near Johnson County. The same national fraternities and sororities that hazed our client in Houston have chapters at universities throughout Kansas and the Midwest.
Universities near Johnson County with Greek life include:
- University of Kansas (Lawrence, KS)
- Kansas State University (Manhattan, KS)
- Wichita State University (Wichita, KS)
- Emporia State University (Emporia, KS)
- Fort Hays State University (Hays, KS)
- Pittsburg State University (Pittsburg, KS)
- And many others across Kansas and neighboring states
The same fraternities that waterboarded our client operate at these institutions:
- Pi Kappa Phi β involved in our current $10M lawsuit
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) β multiple hazing deaths nationwide
- Sigma Chi β recently sued for hazing in multiple states
- Kappa Sigma β multiple hazing incidents
- Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) β $10.1M settlement in 2021 death case
- Phi Delta Theta β $6.1M jury verdict in 2017 death case
- Beta Theta Pi β $110M+ settlement in 2017 death case
If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Johnson County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.
What Hazing Really Looks Like
Hazing isn’t “boys being boys.” It isn’t “tradition.” It isn’t “building brotherhood.”
It is:
- Assault β physical attacks, beatings, paddling
- Battery β unwanted physical contact
- Torture β waterboarding, simulated drowning, extreme physical exertion
- Reckless endangerment β forced alcohol consumption, dangerous activities
- Sexual abuse β forced nudity, sexual humiliation
- Psychological abuse β sleep deprivation, humiliation, threats
- Sometimes manslaughter β when it goes too far
- Sometimes murder β when institutions ignore the warnings
In our current case, a young man was:
- Waterboarded with a garden hose β simulated drowning, a form of torture
- Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles β physical assault
- Forced to eat until he vomited β then forced to keep running
- Threatened with expulsion if he didn’t comply
- Hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure β a life-threatening condition
This is not hazing. This is abuse. This is happening near Johnson County.
The Medical Consequences: Hazing Can Kill
Hazing doesn’t just cause emotional trauma. It can cause permanent physical damage β or death.
Medical conditions caused by hazing:
| Condition | Cause | Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Extreme physical exertion (500 squats, bear crawls, etc.) | Muscle breakdown, kidney failure, potential death |
| Acute Kidney Failure | Rhabdomyolysis (myoglobin damages kidneys) | Hospitalization, dialysis, possible transplant |
| Alcohol Poisoning | Forced drinking, binge drinking | Coma, death, brain damage |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | Falls, beatings, paddling | Permanent cognitive impairment |
| Heat Stroke / Hypothermia | Exposure to elements during hazing | Organ failure, death |
| Cardiac Arrest | Extreme physical exertion, electrolyte imbalances | Sudden death |
| PTSD / Anxiety / Depression | Psychological trauma from abuse | Long-term mental health treatment |
| Suicidal Ideation | Shame, humiliation, trauma | Risk of self-harm |
Our client was hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. This is the same risk Johnson County students face.
β οΈ The Landmark Case: What Happened in Houston β And What Could Happen Near Johnson County
Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi β The $10 Million Fight
Johnson County families: This case happened in Houston. But the same hazing happens at universities near Johnson County. The same fraternities operate near Johnson County. The same negligence exists at Johnson County institutions. And we will fight for Johnson County families with the same aggression.
Case Summary:
- Victim: Leonel Bermudez β a “ghost rush” (not even enrolled at UH yet)
- Fraternity: Pi Kappa Phi at University of Houston
- Date: Fall 2025
- Hazing Activities: Waterboarding, 500 squats, 100 pushups, wooden paddles, forced eating until vomiting, sleep deprivation
- Medical Outcome: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, 4-day hospitalization
- Legal Action: $10 million lawsuit filed November 21, 2025
- Attorneys: Ralph Manginello & Lupe Pena β Attorney 911
- Defendants: Pi Kappa Phi National, UH chapter, UH, individual members
Media Coverage:
- ABC13 Houston β “Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge, lawsuit alleges”
- KHOU 11 β “$10 million lawsuit filed against UH, fraternity over hazing allegations”
- Houston Chronicle β “UH fraternity hazing lawsuit”
- Houston Public Media β “University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity sued for $10 million over alleged hazing”
Why This Case Matters to Johnson County:
- Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America β including near Johnson County
- The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client exist at Johnson County fraternities
- Universities near Johnson County face the same liability failures as UH
- If your child is being hazed near Johnson County, we will fight for you just like we’re fighting in Houston
The Hazing Timeline: What They Did to Our Client
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| September 16, 2025 | Bermudez accepts bid to Pi Kappa Phi as “ghost rush” (not enrolled at UH) |
| September – November 2025 | Weeks of systematic hazing and abuse |
| October 13, 2025 | Another pledge hog-tied face-down on table with object in mouth for over an hour |
| October 15, 2025 | A pledge loses consciousness during forced workout β other pledges had to elevate his legs |
| November 3, 2025 | The Incident: Bermudez punished for missing an event β forced to do 500 squats, 100 pushups, “suicides,” bear crawls, 100-yard crawls until he collapsed |
| November 4, 2025 | “Really sore and couldn’t really move” |
| November 5, 2025 | “The next day was worse” |
| November 6, 2025 | Mother rushes Bermudez to hospital with brown urine (sign of muscle breakdown) |
| November 6-10, 2025 | Hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure |
| November 14, 2025 | Pi Kappa Phi National closes UH chapter (7 days before lawsuit) |
| November 21, 2025 | $10 MILLION LAWSUIT FILED by Attorney 911 |
What This Means for Johnson County Families
Johnson County parents: This is what hazing looks like. This is what your child could be facing.
The same fraternity that did this in Houston has chapters at universities near Johnson County. The same national organization that failed to prevent Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017 failed to prevent Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization in 2025. They will fail to protect your child too β unless someone holds them accountable.
That’s where we come in. We are Attorney 911. We are fighting this battle right now. And we will fight for Johnson County families.
βοΈ Your Legal Rights: Johnson County Hazing Victims’ Rights
Johnson County Families Have Powerful Legal Options
If your child was hazed near Johnson County, you can pursue:
- Negligence Claims β Universities and fraternities have a duty to protect students
- Premises Liability β If hazing occurred on university-owned property
- Assault and Battery β Against individual perpetrators
- Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress β For psychological trauma
- Wrongful Death β If hazing resulted in death
- Punitive Damages β To punish egregious conduct and prevent future hazing
And here’s the critical part: Consent is not a defense.
Texas law is clear: Even if your child “agreed” to participate, that does NOT absolve the fraternity or university of liability.
Who Is Liable for Johnson County Hazing
We pursue every party responsible for hazing near Johnson County:
| Party | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture |
| University / College | Failed to protect students; may own fraternity property |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing |
| Chapter Advisors | Failed to prevent hazing |
| Alumni | Hosted hazing events; premises liability |
| Insurance Companies | Provide coverage for institutional liability |
Johnson County families: This is not about suing broke college students. This is about holding institutions with deep pockets accountable.
π° Precedent Cases: Multi-Million Dollar Proof
Hazing Cases Win Big β And Johnson County Families Can Too
These cases prove that hazing litigation results in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. The same results are possible for Johnson County victims.
Stone Foltz β Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
π° $10.1 MILLION TOTAL
- Victim: Stone Foltz, 20
- Cause: Forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol
- Outcome: $2.9M from university; $7.2M from fraternity
- Johnson County Relevance: Our $10M demand is directly in line with this precedent
Maxwell Gruver β Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017)
π° $6.1 MILLION JURY VERDICT
- Victim: Maxwell Gruver, 18
- Cause: Forced drinking during “Bible Study” event
- Outcome: $6.1M jury verdict; Max Gruver Act passed (made hazing a felony)
- Johnson County Relevance: Juries award millions for hazing deaths and injuries
Timothy Piazza β Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017)
π° $110+ MILLION (ESTIMATED)
- Victim: Timothy Piazza, 19
- Cause: Forced drinking, fell down stairs, fraternity waited 12 hours to call 911
- Outcome: $110M+ settlement; Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law passed
- Johnson County Relevance: Strong evidence = massive outcomes; our case has detailed documentation
Andrew Coffey β Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017)
β οΈ SAME FRATERNITY AS OUR CASE
- Victim: Andrew Coffey, 20
- Cause: Forced to drink entire bottle of bourbon
- Outcome: Chapter closed; multiple criminal convictions
- Johnson County Relevance: Pi Kappa Phi had 8 years to fix their culture after Coffey’s death β they did nothing
The Pattern Is Clear: Hazing Costs Millions
Every major hazing case results in:
- Multi-million dollar settlements or verdicts
- Criminal convictions for perpetrators
- New state and federal laws
- Chapter closures
- Institutional reform (sometimes)
Johnson County families: Your case can be the one that changes the culture at universities near Johnson County.
π What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed Near Johnson County
Immediate Action Guide for Johnson County Families
If your child tells you they’ve been hazed β or if you suspect hazing β follow these steps:
-
Ensure Safety First
- Remove your child from the dangerous situation immediately
- If they’re in physical danger, call 911
-
Seek Medical Attention
- Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation
- Some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately
- Medical records are critical evidence
-
Preserve All Evidence
- Photos: Injuries, hazing locations, items used in hazing
- Texts/Messages: Save all communications about hazing
- Social Media: Screenshot posts, messages, group chats
- Witnesses: Get names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses
- Documents: Pledge manuals, schedules, any written materials
-
Do NOT Confront the Organization
- Do not talk to fraternity/sorority leadership without legal counsel
- Do not sign anything from the organization
- Do not post about the incident on social media
-
Report to Authorities (Optional but Recommended)
- Consider filing a police report
- Consider filing a Title IX report with the university
- Note: We can guide you through this process
-
Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
- Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
- Email: ralph@atty911.com
- Video Consultation: Available for Johnson County families
- We offer FREE consultations β no obligation
Johnson County families: The clock is ticking. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Statutes of limitations expire. Contact us today.
π― Why Johnson County Families Choose Attorney 911
We Don’t Just Talk About Hazing. We’re Fighting It Right Now.
1. We’re Actively Litigating a $10 Million Hazing Case
- Right now, we’re representing Leonel Bermudez against Pi Kappa Phi and UH
- We know how to build these cases
- We know how to win
- Johnson County families get the same aggressive representation
2. We Have Insider Knowledge
- Both attorneys are former insurance defense lawyers
- We know how insurance companies think
- We know how universities and fraternities defend these cases
- We use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses
3. We Pursue Every Liable Party
- Universities
- National organizations
- Local chapters
- Individual members
- No one escapes accountability
4. We Travel to Johnson County
- For depositions
- For client meetings
- For trials
- Distance is not a barrier to justice
5. We Work on Contingency β $0 Upfront for Johnson County Families
- You pay nothing to hire us
- We don’t get paid unless we win your case
- Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict
- This levels the playing field against institutions with deep pockets
6. We Protect Johnson County Victims from Retaliation
- Our client in the UH case is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution”
- We understand the culture of intimidation in Greek organizations
- We protect our clients’ identities and safety
- We fight back against any attempts at retaliation
7. We Have a Proven Track Record
- Recovered millions for personal injury victims
- Successfully litigated complex cases against major corporations
- BP Texas City explosion litigation experience
- We know how to take on powerful defendants
ποΈ Universities Near Johnson County: The Same Failures Exist Here
Johnson County Institutions Face the Same Liability as UH
The University of Houston failed to protect Leonel Bermudez. Universities near Johnson County are failing too.
Common Institutional Failures at Johnson County-Area Universities:
-
Knowing About Hazing and Doing Nothing
- UH had a student hospitalized from hazing in 2017
- They did nothing to prevent it from happening again
- Johnson County universities know hazing happens β and do nothing
-
Owning Fraternity Houses but Failing to Inspect
- UH owned the Pi Kappa Phi house where hazing occurred
- They collected rent while students were tortured
- Johnson County universities own fraternity houses β and fail to inspect
-
Having Policies but Not Enforcing Them
- Universities have anti-hazing policies
- They don’t enforce them
- Johnson County universities have the same empty policies
-
Prioritizing Reputation Over Safety
- When hazing is exposed, universities try to cover it up
- They care more about their image than student safety
- Johnson County universities do the same
-
Allowing a Culture of Silence
- Students are afraid to report hazing
- Universities don’t encourage reporting
- Johnson County universities maintain the same culture of silence
Johnson County families: Your child’s university is failing them. We hold them accountable.
π Warning Signs of Hazing Near Johnson County
What Johnson County Parents Should Watch For
Hazing often starts subtly and escalates. Watch for these warning signs:
| Category | Warning Signs |
|---|---|
| Behavioral Changes | Withdrawal, anxiety, depression, mood swings |
| Physical Signs | Bruises, burns, unexplained injuries, exhaustion |
| Academic Decline | Skipping classes, falling grades, missed assignments |
| Social Isolation | Spending all time with organization, avoiding other friends |
| Financial Issues | Unexplained expenses, “dues” that seem excessive |
| Sleep Disruption | Coming home late, exhausted, or not sleeping at all |
| Secretive Behavior | Not telling you where they’re going, who they’re with |
| Language | Using terms like “pledge,” “big/little,” “family” in unusual ways |
| Possessions | Carrying strange items, wearing specific clothing |
Johnson County parents: If you notice these signs, ask questions. If your child seems afraid to answer, contact us.
π Johnson County Families: Call Now for a Free Consultation
1-888-ATTY-911
Available 24/7 for Johnson County hazing emergencies
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We offer:
- Free, confidential consultations for Johnson County families
- Remote video consultations
- Willingness to travel to Johnson County
- $0 upfront β we work on contingency
Johnson County families: The clock is ticking. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Don’t wait β call now.
π‘οΈ Our Promise to Johnson County Families
We see your child as a person β not a paycheck.
We understand what you’re going through. We’ve seen the pain hazing causes families.
We promise:
β Aggressive representation β we don’t back down from powerful institutions
β Compassionate guidance β we treat Johnson County families with respect and care
β Transparent communication β we keep you informed every step of the way
β Maximum compensation β we fight for every dollar your family deserves
β Justice and accountability β we won’t stop until the responsible parties are held accountable
Johnson County families: You’re not alone. We’re fighting this fight right now. And we’ll fight for you.
π To Johnson County Students: You Have Rights
If you’re being hazed β or if you’ve been hazed β you have rights.
You have the right to:
β Say no β without fear of retaliation
β Report hazing β to the university, to the police, to us
β Seek medical attention β for physical and emotional injuries
β Pursue legal action β against those who hurt you
β Be protected β from further abuse or intimidation
You are not powerless. You are not alone.
Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’ll help you take back your power.
π To the Fraternities and Universities Near Johnson County: We’re Watching
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi β and all the others:
We are watching.
The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters near Johnson County.
We know your corporate structures. We know your insurance policies. We know your hazing death records.
If you haze students near Johnson County, we will find every liable entity.
We already shut down the Beta Nu chapter at UH. Your chapter could be next.
The choice is yours. Clean up your chapters β or face the consequences.
π Johnson County Hazing Resources
Organizations Fighting Hazing Near Johnson County
| Organization | Website | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| HazingPrevention.Org | hazingprevention.org | National hazing prevention education |
| StopHazing | stophazing.org | Research and advocacy |
| Clery Center | clerycenter.org | Campus safety resources |
| Gordie Center | gordie.org | Alcohol education and hazing prevention |
| Anti-Hazing Coalition | antihazingcoalition.org | Legislative advocacy |
Johnson County families: These organizations can provide support and education. We can connect you with resources.
β Frequently Asked Questions for Johnson County Families
Q: My child was hazed but doesn’t want to sue. Should we still contact a lawyer?
A: Yes. Even if your child doesn’t want to sue, consulting with us can:
- Protect their legal rights
- Preserve evidence in case they change their mind
- Help you understand your options
- Provide guidance on reporting to authorities
- Ensure their safety going forward
We offer free consultations with no obligation.
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to the activities. Does that matter?
A: No. Texas law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing.
Even if your child agreed to participate, that does NOT absolve the fraternity or university of liability.
The law is clear: Hazing is illegal regardless of consent.
Q: My child is afraid of retaliation if we report hazing. What can we do?
A: We understand the fear of retaliation. Greek organizations often try to silence victims.
We can help by:
- Protecting your child’s identity
- Advising on safe reporting strategies
- Documenting any retaliation attempts
- Taking legal action against retaliation
Our client in the UH case is also fearful of retribution. We know how to protect victims.
Q: The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Can they still be liable?
A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they knew or should have known about hazing risks in Greek life, they can be held liable.
In our UH case:
- UH had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017
- They owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred
- They failed to implement effective oversight
- They are liable despite claiming they “didn’t know”
Johnson County universities face the same liability.
Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911 for a Johnson County hazing case?
A: $0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis β meaning:
- You pay nothing to hire us
- We don’t get paid unless we win your case
- Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict
- If we don’t win, you owe us nothing
This makes justice accessible for Johnson County families.
Q: How long does a hazing lawsuit take?
A: Every case is different. Factors affecting timeline:
- Severity of injuries
- Number of defendants
- Whether the case settles or goes to trial
- Court schedules
Typical timelines:
- Minor injuries: 6-12 months
- Moderate injuries: 12-18 months
- Severe injuries: 18-36 months
- Wrongful death: 2-4 years
Johnson County families: The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can begin building your case.
Q: Can we sue even if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: Yes. Hazing is illegal on or off campus. If the hazing occurred at a private residence, we can pursue:
- The individual property owners
- The fraternity or sorority
- The national organization
- Any individuals who participated
In our UH case, hazing occurred at both the fraternity house and a private residence.
Q: What if my child was hazed at a university outside of Texas?
A: We can still help. While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide through:
- Federal court authority
- Dual-state bar licenses (Texas AND New York)
- Willingness to travel
- Remote consultation technology
Hazing happens everywhere. We fight everywhere.
π’ Johnson County Families: Your Voice Can Save Lives
Every hazing case we win sends a message:
- To fraternities and sororities: This ends now.
- To universities: Protect your students β or pay.
- To other victims: You are not alone. You have rights.
- To the next potential victim: You might be saved because someone spoke up.
Your Johnson County case isn’t just about justice for your family. It’s about protecting every student who comes after.
Be brave. Step forward. Let’s change the culture together.
π¨ Johnson County Hazing Lawyer: Call Now
1-888-ATTY-911
Available 24/7 for Johnson County families
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
Johnson County families: The clock is ticking. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Don’t wait β call now.